Skip to main content
Congo Democratic Republic Of The public holiday scenery, Africa
Africa
RegionAfrica
CapitalKinshasa
CurrencyFC CDF ยท Congolese franc
Time zoneUTC+1 ยท West Africa Time (WAT)

Public Holiday Calendar

Public Holidays in Congo, Democratic Republic of the for 2026

Planning ahead? See all DR Congo public holidays on one page, or choose another year above.

Holiday dates


Date Holiday Type
2026-01-01 New Year's Day National
2026-01-03 Martyrs' Day (observed) Substitute
2026-01-04 Martyrs' Day National
2026-01-16 National Hero Laurent Dรฉsirรฉ Kabila Day National
2026-01-17 National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba Day National
2026-04-06 Day of the Struggle of Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness National
2026-05-01 Labor Day National
2026-05-16 Revolution and Armed Forces Day (observed) Substitute
2026-05-17 Revolution and Armed Forces Day National
2026-06-30 Independence Day National
2026-08-01 Congolese Genocide Memorial Day (observed); Parents' Day Substitute
2026-08-02 Congolese Genocide Memorial Day National
2026-12-25 Christmas Day National

About these holidays in DR Congo (2026)

Our DR Congo public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.

Martyrs' Day (observed)

Martyrs' Day honours those who died for their country or for a political or religious cause. The date and the event commemorated vary by nation: in India it marks the death of Mahatma Gandhi on 30 January, in Panama the 1964 flag protests, and in several Arab countries it recalls those killed in the independence struggle. Observances typically include wreath laying, moments of silence and official ceremonies at memorials.

Labor Day

Labor Day honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Most countries observe it on 1 May, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day, which grew out of the campaign for an eight hour working day. Others, including the United States and Canada, hold it on the first Monday of September. Typical events include trade union marches, rallies and public speeches on working conditions.

Independence Day

Independence Day marks the anniversary of a nation's formal separation from another state, or of the founding moment of its sovereignty. Because it commemorates a specific historical event, the date differs from country to country and the name often includes the year. Typical observances include flag raising, military parades, speeches by heads of state, and public concerts. It is frequently the most prominent national holiday on the calendar.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day on 25 December is the Christian feast of the Nativity of Jesus and one of the most widely observed public holidays in the world. It is a legal holiday in most nations with Christian majorities or heritage, and a cultural holiday in many others. Customs include family gatherings, gift giving, special meals and decorated trees. Countries following the Julian or Oriental Orthodox calendars often celebrate on 7 January instead.

Official sources & last checked

Holiday dates on this page are compiled from public holiday datasets and reviewed by our editorial team. Last checked: .

Holiday observance can vary by region and employer. Confirm critical dates with the relevant authority.